Sabrina Carpenter to star and produce ‘Alice in Wonderland’ musical for Universal Pictures

Fresh off six Grammy nominations for her hit album Man’s Best Friend, 25-year-old singer-actor, Sabrina Carpenter will headline and co-produce the untitled film, which promises a bold, contemporary spin on Lewis Carroll’s timeless fantasy. The project marks Carpenter’s first time leading a major studio film.

Hustlers filmmaker Lorene Scafaria will direct and write the movie. The film will be produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, Wicked: For Good) through his Marc Platt Productions, alongside Leslie Morgenstein and Elysa Koplovitz Dutton of Alloy Entertainment (Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars).

Sources close to the production say the idea originated with Carpenter, who approached Universal last year with her own lookbook and creative vision for a modern, music-forward Alice. Plot details are being kept secret, but the movie is expected to blend fantasy adventure with Carpenter’s signature pop energy.

While Carroll’s 19th-century tale has inspired countless adaptations — from Disney’s 1951 animated classic to Tim Burton’s billion-dollar 2010 version — Universal’s take is said to be “radically different,” centering on empowerment and self-discovery through music.

For Carpenter, whose screen credits include The Hate U Give, Emergency, and Netflix’s Tall Girl films, the project continues her evolution from Disney alum to global star.

Scafaria, an Emmy-nominated writer-director, recently helmed episodes of Succession and HBO’s I Love LA.

The Alice in Wonderland musical is currently in early development at Universal.